Population Pyramids of the World from 1950 to 2100

China Population Pyramid 1978

China
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1978
Population: 956,161,484

Year

-5 -1   1978  +1 +5

Country

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
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Summary

China in 1978

In 1978, China had a total population of 956,161,484 people. That is 22.4% more than in 1968, when the population stood at 781,011,025.

With a median age of 21.2 years, China had a youth dependency ratio of 67.4 and an old-age dependency ratio of 7.3 per 100 people of working age. The broad-based, expansive shape of the pyramid points to high fertility and strong population growth.

Ranks #1 of 201 by population Ranks #72 of 201 by median age Ranks #113 of 201 by growth

Share of the population by age group, 1950–2100

Data source: United Nations World Population Prospects, 2024 revision (medium variant) — last updated July 2024.

Key indicators for China
Population
956,161,484
Median age
21.2
0-14 %
38.6%
65+ %
4.2%
Child dependency
67.4
Old-age dependency
7.3
Region
ASIA
Pyramid shape
Expansive
Population 2050
1,260,289,094
Population 2100
633,368,113
What is driving the change
Births per woman
Total fertility rate, 1960–2023
12345678
1960Replacement level (2.1)2023 · 1.0

The fertility rate of China was 1.00 births per woman in 2023, under the 2.1 needed to replace each generation.

Source: World Bank World Development Indicators, latest available year.

Life expectancy at birth
Years, 1960–2023
Total Women Men
2030405060708090
19602023 · 78.0

A child born there in 2023 could expect to live 78.0 years on average (80.9 years for girls, 75.2 for boys).

Source: World Bank World Development Indicators, latest available year.

People supported per 100 workers
Dependency ratios, 1950–2100
Children Older adults
285582110
19502100
Migration to and from China
Where immigrants come from (2024)

1,565,013 immigrants live in China, 0.1% of the population.

China, Hong Kong SAR421,605
Myanmar367,052
Taiwan170,422
Viet Nam88,254
Republic of Korea65,073
Where emigrants live (2024)

11,696,846 people born in China live in other countries.

China, Hong Kong SAR2,490,414
United States of America2,488,775
Japan809,893
Canada771,973
Republic of Korea756,684
Explore
Immigration statistics Origin of migrant stocks map

Source: United Nations International Migrant Stock 2024.

How China compares with its neighbours
Country Population Median age Relative size
China 956,161,485 21.2
Japan 116,576,945 32.0
Republic of Korea 37,281,935 21.1
Dem. People's Republic of Korea 17,735,995 21.8
Taiwan 17,373,728 21.8
Frequently asked questions about China's population
What was the population of China in 1978?
China had a population of 956,161,484 in 1978.
Is China's population growing or shrinking?
China's population grew 22.4% over the previous ten years, and is projected to reach 1,260,289,094 by 2050.
What is the median age in China?
China's median age is 21.2 years.
What share of China's population is over 65 or under 15?
4.2% of China's population is 65 or older, and 38.6% is under 15.
What shape is China's population pyramid, and what does it mean?
China has an expansive pyramid: a wide base of young cohorts reflecting high fertility and continued population growth.

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